We need food, shelter, transportation, good health, clothing, and a job that provides us enough money to pay the bills.

The Dolphins need to rebuild the right side of the offensive line. Dumping Marc Colombo's a good start.

We want a nice home, a sweet ride, name brand items, money that will allow us to eat out, travel and eventually retire.

NFL teams battle with the same issues when it comes time to restocking their rosters. That’s why it’s important to separate a team’s NEEDS from their WANTS.

This blog will attempt to do that for the Miami Dolphins heading into this week’s NFL combine, and the start of free agency on March 13.

MIAMI DOLPHINS NEEDS

QUARTERBACK - Matt Moore was solid in 2011, producing a 87.1 quarterback rating and a 6-6 record once he replaced Chad Henne as Miami’s starter. But there were still holes in his game (accuracy issues, pocket presence) that hint he’s more of a top tier backup than possible franchise quarterback.

The Dolphins fan base is starving for a young quarterback this team can be built around, and owner Steve Ross is committed to upgrading the position through free agency and/or the draft. Solid free agent options like Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Jason Campbell or Kyle Orton would be logical upgrades over Moore. Each veteran comes with positives and negatives. The draft is also an option, and one that would be cheaper from a financial standpoint than free agency. But Miami would need to trade up to get Robert Griffin III, and that would cost plenty of resources (think at least two first-round picks plus a second rounder). Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill would also be viewed as a solid option in the first round considering his existing relationship with new offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who coached him in college. Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler, Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden and Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins are logical choices in the later rounds. The Dolphins will likely add two quarterbacks this offseason because Pat Devlin is a more realistic option for the practice squad.

Jared Odrick is one of three defensive linemen presently under contract with the Dolphins.

PASS RUSHER - Jason Taylor’s retirement means there’s only one prove, polished pass rusher on the roster. No matter what scheme the Dolphins favor, the defense needs to add defensive ends and outside linebackers to protect Cameron Wake from the extra attention he received in 2011, when he contributed just 8.5 sacks. Koa Misi, a second-round pick in 2010, has contributed just 5.5 sacks in his two seasons as a starter. Miami realizes he’s not a polished pass rusher. Making this more of a need is the fact Miami only has three defensive linemen – Randy Starks, Jared Odrick and Tony McDaniel – under contracts, and all three of them are more defensive tackle than defensive end. The Dolphins could target pass rushers like Cliff Avril in free agency, but that’s an expensive position to purchase. That’s why it is more realistic for the Dolphins to target the position in the draft. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Dolphins to double down on pass rushers, selecting two in the draft class, much like they did other positions (DE, OG, WR, CB, RB) in previous years.

OFFENSIVE LINE – Marc Colombo was a hot mess as the starting right tackle, allowing nine sacks and 35 quarterback pressures. The Dolphins spent most of the season rolling protection to his side to help. But it wasn’t enough considering the offense allowed 52 sacks, and led the NFL in sacks per passing play. To fortify the offensive line the Dolphins need a stronger bookend to put opposite Jake Long. But considering Vernon Carey, the starting right guard, is also a free agent, Miami might be looking at the entire right side being rebuilt. Carey produced a solid season in 2011, but he’s 30 years old, and has battled weight and knee issues the past two seasons. It’s possible the Dolphins could re-sign Carey to start at tackle or guard, but that appears to be a long shot. Lydon Murtha, a restricted free agent, and John Jerry are viewed as in-house options at right tackle and guard. None of these offensive coaches have worked with either player, so they’ll be given a blank slate in OTAs. Offensive linemen that hit free agency are usually old, or damaged goods. But there will be some good ones available. Problem is their price tags will likely exceed Miami’s budget. The 2012 draft is filled with offensive guard, but Miami would have to use a early draft pick to secure a good rookie tackle.

Those are the areas the Dolphins NEED to upgrade, which means they can’t field a competitive team in 2012 without adding some new pieces at these spots.

get manning and draft reilly reiff, misi is solid, his sack numbers are skewed due to the scheme we play he’s not put into a position to rush the QB. our D was good last year and would be better with a healthy peyton manning!

I agree with most of what you say but about Misi. We will need a pass rusher opposite Wake on nickel and obvious passing downs. Misi will be fine in the base 4-3 or 3-4 but no as a complimentary pass rusher

Signing Manning
worst case scenario:
We sell out every game
We are the talk of the league for the first time since 84
Manning doesn’t get healthy and we are stuck with Moore for 1 more season

best case scenario:
we still sell out every game
we are still the talk of the league
we have a healthy Manning (who may be the best qb ever)
we are instant Super Bowl contenders and a lock to make the playoffs for the next 2 or 3 years

how can you compare Manning (arguably the best qb ever) to Penny a guy who was a part time starter with a weak arm.

That is worse than comparing Shula to Sparano

I can compare them because it’s a valid comparison. Manning WAS one of the greatest ever. NOW he is a weak armed QB that can’t feel it when he throws across his body! It’s the same thing. Getting Pennington gave the fans the false impression that the team was better than it was. If Henne had started that year we would have either 1) got a jump on his development and adjusted the system to him or 2) realized earlier on that he wasn’t the answer and had the time to get another QB that was the answer.

Bottom line is: Peyton Manning IS NOT THE LONG TERM ANSWER at quarterback. Enough already with other teams cast offs and stop gaps. Get our guy and ride him for the next 10 years!

Again, O Rob, I don’t care about selling tickets. I don’t care about players salaries either unless it effects our ability to get other quality players. I want a jumpstart on the future now not a two year band aid that will sell tickets, eat a TON of cap room, prevent us from signing other players or drafting / bringing in a YOUNG QB to groom / delay their development.

I’m about the future, not the 2012 season. P. Manning even if healthy would set our franchise back years IMO, even if he can take us to the playoffs. (that’s just a lower set of draft picks again IMO)

Peyton doesn’t know the system, your answer “change the system” This is just foolish in my opinion. Why put the whole franchise on hold for 1 – 2 years? For what? One playoff appearance? Not the wise way to go. But I respect your position.
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Ken
February 22, 2012 at 11:13 am

Win games and we will sell tickets. Flynn can win games. He will sell tickets and we will be a better team than if we signed Manning. We will have a big spike in ticket sales if we sign Manning and when we stink for 3 more years Ross will be moving the franchise to LA because of a lack of ticket sales.

Manning = broken down jalopy about to get crushed for scrap metal in a junk yard. Won’t even make it out of junk yard without collapsing.

Flynn = A nice semi used car coming off a lease, no nicks, no dents, engine runs perfectly fine, will last at least 7-10 years.

RG3 = Brand new showroom model. Will be fine for 10-15 years before breaking down.

Why people want Manning absolutely baffles me. Who cares about selling tickets. If we sign Manning and he:
A. Sucks it up, no one will go
B. Gets hurt, no one will go

If we go after Flynn or RG3: We might not sell out but we have a winning product. Having a winning product automatically puts fans in the seats. Having a 1-2 year band-aid like Manning is NOT the long term answer we need.

forget about RGIII to miami. It’ll never happen. Both the skins and the browns like him and can move up easier.
I’d say get flynn and you’ll have enough to possibly make another FA acquisition.
Draft another QB in 3-4th round. Take a pass rusher like Ingram with the first pick and go o-line in the second round.

Misi’s sack numbers aren’t skewed at all. He’s not a great pass rusher. If he was, Taylor wouldn’t have been signed, and he would have been on the field.
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Taylor came in on passing downs, they didn’t ask misi to rush the passer.

JAY; Can’t agree that merely signing Manning guarantees sellouts of ALL home games unless Ross is willing to purchase tens of thousands of tickets to most of them.

Fans will NOT believe it’s the Manning of 3-4 years ago until he actually plays in a REAL GAME and throws 50-60 yard bombs right on the money!!

I’m starting to come around to the point of view that Manning will either sign an incentive-laden contract with the Colts or simply retire. If this happens, then all this discussion of him coming to Miami will be moot.–If I’m wrong and Manning signs elsewhere I believe he’ll sign with Mr. Overpay for Free Agents (Albert Haynesworthless) DAN SNYDER, owner of the Deadskins!

Hopefully someone will talk some sense into Ross and explain to him that Manning, at BEST, is a short term answer to a long term problem.–Signing Flynn, Tannehill and/or Weeden would make far more sense.

Ross has yet to make the right choice in a serious football decision. THIS IS THE TIME TO MAKE ONE!!

OD with all due respect, Manning at best gives us a Super Bowl Championship for the first time since I was 5. His presence alone will sell out games and make us the talk of NFL network and ESPN every day. Manning is already the lead football story everyday and he doesn’t have a team yet

JAY; I certainly respect your point of view. And I sure hope you’re right about Manning bringing us a 3rd Super Bowl Title.–But, like others on this blog, I have a lot of experience in the medical field as an X-Ray tech and a CAT scan tech in both military and civilian hospitals. It is my judgement that it’s extremely unlikely we will ever see the Manning of 4 years ago ever again.–I strongly believe that signing Manning could do as much long term damage to this franchise as did the signing of Culpepper when better options (Drew Brees, etc.) were readily available.

Steve Ross can make the Dolphins a Super Bowl contender IF HE MAKES THE RIGHT CHOICE AT QUARTERBACK!!–Peyton Manning, at THIS stage of his career, is likely NOT the right choice.

I’d prefer not to discuss the matter because people get sensitive about that type of talk. That’s a very difficult situation for Ireland, and he needs to handle it carefully.

But the fact of the matter is cutting Bell would create $4.3 million in space.

Redoing his deal, adding more years, putting more upfront money, would be easy. But it would mean they are making a longer investment in a player who can’t cover much ground anymore. Anyone who watches film can see that.

But he’s one of two defensive leaders, and a good locker room presence.

By my thinking….yes I’m putting on my GM hat….you address one of these needs in free agency, and one in the draft.

The other you do both. That means a cheaper free agent with upside, and a early draft pick. That’s the way I’d approach it.

So….a free agent quarterback (Flynn).
Use the first round pick on a pass rusher, and take one in the later rounds so you can teach them the position at the same time.

And I’d address the offensive line by re-signing Carey, who can play two spots, and using an early pick on the position. Why Carey? Because he’s one of the top free agents out there and he’d take a smaller contract to remain in Miami. But if not Carey I’d sign the Giants RT.

And then I’d select one of the top 5 guards.

This is just Mob talk, so if I see it spread anywhere someone will get whacked.

I’m kind of disappointing I can’t talk like I use to without Rotoworld or BleacherReports putting up stories about what I say. That gets back to me and its not good.

I have been saying resign Carey because he is a solid player and would stay with us for cheap since all he knows is S Fla, I even stated the fact that he can start at G and T and was a pro bowl alternate but poeple still dismissed what I said. With your endorsement I know that will start to catch on

Is not unreasonable to believe that there is a possibility that Murtha and Jerry will blossom next year. So I’d draft a guard or two starting in the third round and concentrate on quarterback and pass rusher as far as were I’d invest heavily next year. We’ve built a good base, now its time to focus on one or two positions…most importantly quarterback.

Here’s my issue(s) with Wake:
1. How much is he truly worth from a statistical standpoint?
2. How much is he worth from an age standpoint?
3. How much is his trade value worth?

Enough of this “loyalty” nonsense…we need to get younger, stronger, faster, tougher…..and WIN!!!

Do what it takes to win. Yes he was great his first year and his numbers are slowly going down…he’s 32!!!!

Weigh the Pros and Cons and you’ll realize that trading him might actually benefit the team more so than keeping him….stop looking at things from a biased opinion. Step back and look at the big picture!!!!

misi is more of a edge setting run stopper, with wakes hand in the dirt you have 4 guys rushing the passer, misi either keyed on the run or spyed the RB in coverage he wasn’t asked to rush the passer, he was drafted due to his high motor. misi is a LB drafting a coples to play DE and pass rusher will not take the place of misi.

our D was solid, why do you spend an early pick on a pass rusher when you have a hole in the right side of your O Line?

Eddie, I think Bell could be gone if he doesn’t take a pay cut. Yes we have to see if Clemons and Jones can take their games to another level. But when I said defenders who can cover those hybrid TEs a safety could be that guy, or a LB, someone. LOL

Sean Smith is one of the better man corners in the NFL. He struggled badly when we played zone the first half of the year with Vontae out and Jones learning on the job. Carroll and Wilson could not man up on the boundary

When you are considering what Wake is worth, don’t forget that he has less than a million due next season. That has to be factored in.

So say you think his play merits $12 million per year and he is going to turn his last year into a 4-year contract. That contract should actually be for 3 years at the $12 plus the one, which would be for $9.25 per year.

I dont think Misi was given much of a chance to see whether he could rush the passer n he was only a 2nd year player, I would have signed Taylor and used him too. Doesnt mean I would give up on Misi, but I have confidence this admisitration will evaluate him this offseason n I would trust what ever they decide. That said we still need to address the postion in free agency or the draft cuz even if Misi blows the doors off (best case scenario) what do we have behind him?

I have extreme reservations about RGIII. I watched him play the bowl game and was completely unimpressed. He looked really small the other qb (I cant even remember who it was upstaged him). I know that he gets compared to Vick, and that his speed and elusiveness is supposed to keep him out of trouble. But that has not been working out so well for Vick. I understand he is smart n a good character. I just dont think he is worth the gamble it would take to get him.

Misi has the motor and athletic ability to play SOLB in a 3-4 or 4-3 but he is not a pass rusher. He can’t beat anyone he gets coverage sacks and hustle sacks. We need a pass rusher opposiet Wake to be an elite D

All the symbols disappeared on me bro. Anyway, it’s left facing arrow, lower case b, and then right facing arrow, all with no spaces BEFORE the rod, or words you want bold, then after the word(s) it’s left facing arrow, the forward slash, then lower case b, then right facing arrow, and remember, no spaces.

Omar and Mob, I am STILL on the Moore wagon. I don’t see anything in F/A that constitutes a replacement. Ireland said: ““We need to get over the hump at that position and have better execution,” Ireland continued, “and I think Matt’s got a chance to do that. I do.” Philbin said that you build to your QB’s strength. (Harbaugh also), Sherman indicated that you have to build consistency as to have harmony in the locker room, instead of changing players all the time……

I agree! Only if we had a chance to have a healthy Peyton Manning I would take it! I believe he is the best there ever was. I definately would not mortgage the future for him. Come to an incentive based contract with him (sounds like he is willing to do this), and proceed. It doesnt work out no big deal. I am with you I think Matt Moore is only going to get better, especially under some good qb developers. We only saw 9 games out of him last year and he impressed.

I guess i really dont know how Moore fits into a West Coast Offense cuz I really dont know the different qualites a WC qb should have. I think Moore is better than most of the veteran qb options out there. (Not better than a healty Petyton, and I truly dont know about Flynn, but definately the rest)

I would still draft a young qb in either scenario. i think this is a good draft to do it in. I know it is unpopular, cuz he is the same age as Moore but there is something about Weeden. If he wasnt 28 he would be the first or second qb off the board. i dont get it if he could still give you 10 years what is the difference?

I have a feeling Bell will demand a lot of money…he’s listed as a Left Tackle…teams would pay a lot for his services on the left side. Why would he take a huge paycut to play on the right side?
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Demetrius Bell and his agent might be expecting to get big Left Tackle money, but he doesn’t have a long enough track record to merit such pay.

In other words (and if we didn’t already have Big Jake), would you pay Demetrius starting LT money when he only has one 16 game season under his belt? And yes, he does have a small injury history (nothing MAJOR), but that’s going to prevent him from getting big LT money.

If he and his agent are WISE, they’ll go for starting RT money, where IMHO Demetrius could become a perennial Pro-Bowler. Dude is really, really good when he’s on the field.

So in short, I don’t believe Demetrius can COMMAND starting Left Tackle money. And I also don’t believe he’ll break our bank if we give him a respectable Right Tackle contract. All of this is just IMHO, But he would be a GRAND signing for us.

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More